Raptors free agency: 3 available free agents Toronto should pursue
By Mike Luciano
2. Isaiah Hartenstein
Hartenstein appeared to be one bad move away from completely washing out of the NBA. However, the former Rockets draftee proved during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers that he can be a factor on the offensive end if he is given a big enough role.
Hartenstein averaged 8.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in 17.9 minutes per game with Cleveland. However, after signing Jarrett Allen to a nine-figure contract and drafting Evan Mobley No. 3 overall, Cleveland saw fit to move on and declare him an unrestricted free agent.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will not extend a qualifying offer to center Isaiah Hartenstein, league sources told @hoopshype. Hartenstein will enter the market as an unrestricted free agent. He averaged 8.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 17.9 minutes with the Cavaliers.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 1, 2021
Should the Raptors add Isaiah Hartenstein to the mix?
Hartenstein is a shooting-deficient big man that is still coming into his own as a rim protector, so the Raptors need to choose one of these developmental paths for him and stick to it. However, at just 23 years of age, Hartenstein is far from a finished product, and he could offer a team like Toronto plenty of value.
Hartenstein’s game has made some massive strides over the last few years, and the Raptors could still use some more height and rebounding now that free agent failure Aron Baynes has officially been waived. A cheap alternative to some of the high-priced options, Hartenstein could be an ideal fit in Toronto.